Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Marc St Louis on March 16, 2018, 09:52:18 am
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I was asked to make a couple Osage static recurves a few months ago. I started pulling out the Osage slats I had laying about, I needed something for a 31" draw so not interested in making short bows. I had enough for the commissioned bows plus another shorter set. I started work on all of them, focusing more on the commissioned bows. With those out of the way I switched my attention on wrapping up the other. I did not make as a static recurve with this bow, I thought I would try something a bit different.
(https://i.imgur.com/I52hnSg.jpg)
Now I hesitate to call this a working recurve but it's not my usual static either, neither is it an RD bow. It's a bit similar to a bow I made many years ago that closely copied a Wilcox duoflex. In any case it is something I kind of like the looks of plus it shoots like the devil. In fact I like it so much that I think I'll make another using Buckthorn and Maple. String tension is quite high and it has a very smooth draw. The bow is 64" long with shallow D section limbs just under 1 3/8" wide. The draw weight is just under 50# @ 28", which is good since I like lighter bows these days. Now there was a bit of character with these Osage slats. One had the remains of a rather large knot on one edge, I left the limb a bit stiff there, and the other had some pretty wild run-offs, probably why I didn't go with a static recurve. I shot it several times and it is fast, it also has a lot of string twang. I am quite pleased with this bow and I may take it out this Fall but I will certainly have to dampen the string.
Here are more pics
(https://i.imgur.com/GYSqbFz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6o0r52n.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EVtIbkI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SlIhgfF.jpg)
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Cool bow, Marc. I'm not sure why you wouldn't call it an RD? I think its a perfect example of such. Either way, I like it.
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Very nice work.
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Very nice bow Marc. My last two bows have been very similar to that but I had more deflex and more reflex. They were unbacked Ocean Spray and they both broke. Asking too much I think.
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Very nice bow Marc.That turned out sweeter than a good peach cobbler.I think I'd just call it a good bow.
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Just noticed its a lefty.
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Nice bow, Marc! Looks natural to me, I shoot that way all the time! (SH) :NN
Hawkdancer
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Very nice bow looks fast !
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I'm new to the forum, but I have been admiring your work for a couple years now. As always, this bow is inspiring. I like the green finish on the maple too. Could you share what you are using for dye?
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Oh man Marc, you never disappoint. I'll bet you can just feel the potential energy in that bow when it's braced. And that bend... whoo eee! What a beaut!
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I really like that Mark, I bet it is fast. Any chance these will be showing up at the flights? They need to. I was working on drawing up a from this morning for several bows I plan on making and the form looks very close to these bows. I would call it a recurve instead on R/D as it has a lot of string contact on the limb. Very impressive!
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Thanks guys.
I wouldn't call this an RD bow, the tips are just too recurved.
The dye I used was aniline dye in alcohol.
Not likely Steve although I'm sure it would do well at the flights
The one I plan on making with Buckthorn will have a more extreme bend
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Nice. Looks like it would be a good shooter.
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Simply beautiful Marc.
Bjrogg
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Well done Marc. That's a nice bow. Arvin
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I like it !!!
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Amazing as always! String contacts at brace so I would call it a recurve ;D not that it matters what type of bow it is,it is just georgeous!
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Thank you all.
Most of the reflex that I put into the limbs was done before glue-up with dry heat. Doing it this way seems to work much better. The bow keeps more reflex after tillering and there is a lot less spring-back when taking the bow off the form. As it is, the bow is holding about 2" of reflex after tillering and shooting it several times, it started out with 4" off the form. I have pulled the bow to 29" a few times as well
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Classic Marc St Louis ... :)
Del
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Nicely done. Back in the day this would have been called a semi-recurve in the manner of the old Ben Pearson bows from the 60s. The reflex just getting tighter towards the end but no clear point where you can really say it changes from reflex to recurve.
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Nice work